Islington schools and pupils celebrate best results ever
The hard work has paid off - Islington schools have recorded their best ever
results. The number of pupils achieving five or more GCSE passes at grades
A*-C has hit 50 per cent for the first time, up three per cent on 2006.
The number of pupils gaining the top two grades - A and A* - has also
increased by 1.5 per cent.
The most improved schools are Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, which has leapt up
11 per cent on last year, and Mount Carmel, which is up 10 per cent.
Islington's best performing school is St Aloysius, where 60 per cent of pupils
achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C. In four years the school has
managed to double its results, which were 30 per cent A*-C passes in 2003.
Commenting on the school's success, Deputy Head Danny Coyle said: "We set high
standards and have high expectations for our pupils -- they have a right to a
top education. We focus on things like uniform, punctuality and good
behaviour, because they make a huge difference to the boys' attitude and the
bigger picture. And, of course, we have fantastic teaching and learning
throughout the year, starting as soon as the boys come in to the school in
year 7. I am absolutely delighted for the boys, as is everyone else."
Cllr Ursula Woolley, Islington Council's Executive Member for Children and
Young People, said: "Congratulations to our pupils and their teachers and
parents. Today has been a real achievement, and proof that our children
succeed in Islington schools. Every school in Islington has success stories to
tell, and I've met some deservedly happy pupils and teachers. With some of
our schools really showing how they can turn themselves around, I'm confident
that we can continue to make improvements in to the future.
"Over the next few years we are investing millions in school improvement -
things have never been better for education in Islington."
At Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, Kristiana Xhuxhi, 16, received an
amazing 10A* grades. Kristiana moved to London from Kosovo in 1999 speaking no
English -- and words failed her today when she saw her results. Her friend
Rujina Begum, 16, gained six A*s and four As. She said "I thought I had done
quite well, I expected a few Bs to creep in here and there, but I got all As!
I never usually cry, but I feel like crying right now. I'm going to celebrate
today!" Rujina also got an A in an A level maths module and is now going on to
complete A level maths, along with A levels in psychology, sociology and
philosophy.
At Highbury Grove Conrad Hall, 16, notched up 14 exam passes including two A*s
and four As. He said, "I'm happy with my results -- now I can study A levels
in chemistry, biology, maths and English in September. After that I hope to go
into medicine."
Over the next five years, eight Islington secondary schools will be entirely
rebuilt or substantially refurbished. A further two secondary schools are
receiving funding to become city academies.
For more information, please contact CEA@Islington's Communications Department: